8 Safest Players to Draft (Fantasy Baseball)

When drafting a fantasy baseball team, you’re trying to build a stable roster. The big names with massive upside can win you a championship, but the players with consistent everyday roles and predictable production are the backbone of a winning season.

Below, each position includes at least three players —early-round, middle-round and late‑round options — who offer a reliable floor in a standard 12‑team draft. There’s nothing wrong with chasing upside or grabbing stars like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani or Bobby Witt Jr., but this list focuses on dependable, less‑obvious targets.

Safe Fantasy Baseball Players to Target

Catcher

Catcher is deeper than it has been in years. You can take an early swing, but there’s still value late. Cal Raleigh is great, but unlikely to repeat last season’s numbers.

William Contreras (C – MIL)

William Contreras often goes 50 picks after Raleigh and can still give you around 20 home runs with a batting average of around .280. That’s a strong return at a discount.

First Base

Nick Kurtz and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are great, but expensive.

Freddie Freeman (1B – LAD)

Even at age 36, Freddie Freeman remains one of the most reliable early picks. Excluding 2020, he has hit 20+ home runs in nine straight seasons and should do so again in the Dodgers’ lineup. Pencil him in for a .290+ average and elite run production.

Second Base

A thin position where safety matters.

Ketel Marte (2B – ARI)

Ketel Marte’s fantasy baseball ADP in the 30s is steep but justified. He has hit 25+ home runs in three straight seasons and is projected for around 30 with a .290 average. In a shallow position, that stability is gold.

Third Base

Maikel Garcia (3B – KC)

If you don’t have the first or second pick (which should be Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge in some order), Jose Ramírez is a plug‑and‑play star anywhere after that.

If you miss out on Ramirez, Maikel Garcia — about 60 picks later — is a safe alternative. Garcia doesn’t have Ramirez’s power, but he should provide double‑digit homers, 20+ steals and a non‑damaging average at age 26.

Shortstop

Trea Turner (SS – PHI)

There’s plenty of talent early, but the position drops off quickly. Trea Turner’s ADP around pick 35-40 reflects age concerns — he turns 33 midseason — but he remains a safe bet for a strong average, 30+ steals and double‑digit home runs (possibly 20). He’s as reliable as they come.

Outfield

Cody Bellinger (OF – NYY)

Sure, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Kyle Tucker are safer — but they cost early‑round capital. If you need an outfielder 70 picks later, Cody Bellinger is a solid fallback pick. Expect a .260 average, around 25 home runs and double‑digit steals.

Starting Pitching

Max Fried (SP – NYY)

Max Fried and Logan Webb have similar ADPs and strikeout totals, but Fried likely offers more wins and a lower WHIP. Webb has thrown 200+ innings in three straight seasons, while Fried never has, so choose based on what your roster needs. Both are safe.

Relief Pitching

Jhoan Duran (RP – PHI)

Jhoan Duran has topped 20 saves in three straight seasons and cleared 30 last year. He’s locked in as the Phillies’ closer and projected for nearly 40 saves.